Letters: Playing field is level

In his op-ed, Scott Hymas attempts to perpetuate the myth that the business playing field needs to be "leveled" ("Let's level the business playing field," March 14). That is a fraudulent claim and always has been.

Every owner of a "brick and mortar" business has the opportunity to create an online business, entirely separate if necessary, anytime he wants and thus take advantage of the current sales-tax advantages of internet ventures. That is truly a level playing field — free enterprise and equal opportunity for all.

What those crying for a "level" playing field really want is a "tilted" playing field. Like other special-interest groups, they want legislation to favor them and provide advantages over others rather than take the risks of starting up their own Internet business. They want government protectionism, pure and simple.

Paul Sharp

Salt Lake City